Aerobic respiration happens inside the mitochondria, often called the “powerhouses of the cell.” The process starts with glycolysis in the cytoplasm, but the major ATP production happens in mitochondria during the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain.

Key Points

• Glycolysis: cytoplasm (glucose - pyruvate)
• Krebs cycle & Electron Transport Chain: mitochondria
• Mitochondria’s folded structure (cristae) increases the surface area, making energy production more efficient